Article Travel Leisure Tip

Many countries have stiff penalties for drug violations and strictly enforce drug laws. If you are caught buying
selling
carrying or using any type of drug - from hashish to heroin
marijuana to mescaline
cocaine to quaaludes - you will be arrested. You are subject to foreign laws overseas
not U.S. laws
and
if arrested
you will find that:

• Few countries provide a jury trial.
• Trials are often long
with delays and postponements.
• Most countries do not accept bail.
• Pre-trial detention
often in solitary confinement
may last for months.
If you are convicted
you face a possible sentence of:
• 2 - 10 years in many countries
• A minimum of 6 years hard labor and a stiff fine in some countries
• The death penalty in a number of countries (e.g. Malaysia
Pakistan
Turkey
Thailand
Saudi Arabia)

During recent years
there has been an increase in the number of women arrested abroad. These are usually women who serve as drug couriers or "mules" and who believe that they can make fast money and have a vacation at the same time
without getting caught. Instead of a vacation
they receive a permanent residence in an overseas jail.

U.S. citizens have been arrested abroad on drug charges because they possessed just one ounce or less of marijuana. The risk of being jailed for just one marijuana cigarette is simply not worth it!

Once you are arrested
the U.S. consular officer CANNOT get you out of jail nor out of the country!

Likewise
the U.S. consular officer CANNOT
• Represent you at trial or give you legal counsel.
• Pay legal fees and/or fines with U.S. Government funds.
PLEASE REMEMBER!
• If someone offers you a free trip and some quick and easy money
just for bringing back a suitcase...SAY NO!
• Do not carry a package for anyone
no matter how small it may be.
• Do not let anyone pack your suitcases for you while you are abroad.
• If the drugs are in you suitcase
you will be caught.

Do not get involved with illegal drugs overseas! It can spoil more than your vacation. It can ruin your life!